What do we mean by spiritual care?

Everyone is welcome in our Hospice whatever their belief or faith perspective

The Chaplaincy Service is available to all patients, families and carers of any or no faith, as well as for those who are unsure what they believe. We seek to be here for you and your family as a supportive presence in the way that is right for you.

When there is a diagnosis of serious illness in the family, uncertainty, anxiety and concerns about the future may be present. At such times we may also become more aware of spiritual issues – what helps us to cope when life is hard, what gives our lives meaning and purpose? There may be “why?” questions, hopes, fears or regrets which are important to voice and perhaps to explore. Whatever is important for each individual person matters to us!

Chaplaincy can offer Pastoral and Spiritual support which may include:

A listening ear for you for your worries or concerns.

Space to talk about your life story and hear what is important to you at this time.

A quiet time of prayer and/or a sacramental ministry at the bedside in our in-patient unit

Contact with specific faith representatives at your request

Support if you wish to practice your faith or spiritual tradition

The Chaplaincy offers a weekly session on a Wednesday evening in the Hospice In-Patient Unit between 6.30pm-7pm. The various sessions include either an opportunity to listen to music, an informal service, or a time of led meditation. Everyone is welcome!

The Labyrinth

We offer Labyrinth walks at various locations across our Hospice area. The Labyrinth is a pathway made in a particular pattern for walking. It’s not a maze, so you can’t get lost as the path leads to the centre and back out again.

Memorial Services

We hold an Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in the Autumn for those who are bereaved. This takes place in a different part of our catchment area each year. This Service gives an opportunity to remember the life of your family member or friend who has died and honour their memory. Everyone is welcome including children and young people who may also like to take part in the separate remembrance activity which runs during the service and is geared towards them. We believe that it is important that children feel included in this special time of remembrance and can find the service helpful.

Who we are

The Chaplaincy Team is made up of a Lay Chaplain, an Assistant Chaplain, two Locum Chaplains and Chaplaincy volunteers together with access to chaplaincy contacts for all the major faiths. We seek to respect and honour each individual’s race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation and culture and hope to support you in the best way for you. You don’t have to have a religious faith to talk to a Chaplain!

You are very welcome to have your own minister or community faith leader visit you during your stay in our In-Patient Unit.

Details of how to access the Chaplaincy Service

To access the Chaplaincy service please speak with a member of staff on duty at the In-Patient Unit or Day Services or phone 01707 382500

The Chaplaincy service is available between 7am-7pm Monday to Friday.

We will always try our best to contact a Chaplain at weekends, if the need is urgent.